Putin creates an official holiday to celebrate the role of special forces in Crimea.

[pampango]

Putin Creates Official Holiday on Anniversary of Crimea Annexation

February 27 will from now on be marked in Russia as Special Operations Forces Day, according to a decree signed Thursday by President Vladimir Putin and published on the official legislative website. The Special Operations Forces, a branch of Russian defense apparatus operating both inside the country and abroad, was formed in March 2013. The Chief of the General Staff said at the time of its creation that the new branch was inspired by the experience of "the world's leading nations," Russian media reported.

Answering its own question of why Feb. 27 was chosen as the day, an article in government newspaper Rossiiskaya Gazeta said: "Remember what happened and where a year ago. And how it all ended."

One year ago, mysterious troops bearing no insignia appeared in Crimea, which was shortly afterward annexed from Ukraine by Russia. The troops, who said little and declined to reveal their identity but ensured order during the annexation and subsequent referendum on joining Russia, quickly became known as "little green men" in the international media and "polite people" in Russia.

Putin initially denied that Russian troops had been dispatched to Crimea, but later admitted it.

http://www.themoscowtimes.com/news/article/putin-establishes-new-polite-people-day-in-russia-/516675.html

And now the Russian government denies that there are Russian troops in eastern Ukraine. Perhaps later they will admit that too and establish a new holiday commemorating their deeds.

[NuclearDem]

1. But there was no invasion!

[awoke_in_2003]

5. The date is purely coincidental...

I will add too, just in case.

[msanthrope]

2. Was there a metal pole? Feats of strength?

https://m.

#

[stevenleser]

3. But wait, a small cadre of folks on DU told me no Russian troops were involved. How can this be?

How can this be indeed!!!

[Tommy_Carcetti]

4. February 27th.

That was the date the Crimean local parliament was stormed by armed gunmen.

Although some still deny this was an "invasion" and that Russia had no involvement until after the dubious March 16, 2014 referendum.

I don't think Russia really cares about their lie anymore.

[awoke_in_2003]

6. Why should they?

We can't do squat about it.

[stevenleser]

7. Kick nt